Former Montesano Police Chief Sowers released from jail

Former Montesano Police Chief Ray Sowers has been released from Pierce County Jail after being accused of stealing 51 bottles of liquor from a Tacoma grocery store.

Sowers pleaded not guilty to a theft charge, posted bail, and was released.

Sowers was arrested January 9 on burglary charges, accused of walking out of a store with more than $1,500 in alcohol.

The 50-year-old spent 26 years in law enforcement until 2010 when he pleaded guilty to theft and identify theft charges. He was sentenced to six months in jail for using department credit cards to make $17,000 in purchases.

The Grays Harbor County prosecutor’s office told KOMO Sowers may face a judge in Montesano again if he violated terms of release that prohibit him from possessing alcohol.